Getting back into it

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Greenspot

Greenspot

Gambusia
MFK Member
May 24, 2008
244
13
18
Australia
So the kids are bigger now and I am finding myself with more time. Time to get back into fish keeping!
I'm thinking a 6ft, 18 by 22 high. What am I looking at in regards to filtration? I see FX5 is no more, that's what I had on my 180g. so maybe a fx6? They are 50watts though. What is the wattage on a fluval 406? What other filters are out there? I've been extremely happy with fluval. Are ehimes still excellent? I'm not interested in a sump set up. Thanks heaps for your input!

Oh just planning a community tank. Discus, tetras, corys, bristlnose, knife fish. etc. Low tech planted.
 
If you're looking to have just one canister for a 125, I'd look at the FX6 or Eheim 2262. The 2262 will be more expensive and higher wattage, though. I ran a 2262 and an Aquaclear 110 on a 120 in the past. It worked very well.
 
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If you are wanting to do a canister I would go for a fx6, I have one on my (smaller tank) 300L and find it great. Give's you plenty of excess filter capacity.
Although you could consider making a sump for it which would be good.
 
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I have Sunsun 304/404b/Fx5&6 and a 2262, and I think they ALL have their place. I plan to put all 3 types on my 300Gal as soon as I can get the tank (hopefully by end of summer at the latest).

The SunSun's are very attractive value wise, and 2 of those on a 125 would be great, (or 1 SunSun with 2- Aquaclear 110's)but then again, if you have it to spend, feel free to go with the FX5/6 models or the Eheim 2262.

Just be aware that FX5/6 are NOT recommended if you're going to use SAND, as the motor is on the bottom. I use a pre filter on the intake of all filters I use however, but I still dont use sand, as I ruined several filters that way (Aquaclears, Marineland Emporer's, etc)
SAND KILLS FILTERS

As for a SUMP, I think that overkill for anything other than saltwater reef/FOWLR, or freshwater over 200 gallons(sumps leave too much room for error/overflow unless your sump is BIGGER capacity than your display tank), and they ARE WAAAAY MORE COMPLEX to setup.

Anything can leak, but I just don't see a sump being needed for freshwater, but that's just my opinion....
Best of Luck!
 
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Thanks I was thinking of trying sand out!

I have never heard of a sunsun, I'll have a look. Price is totally an issue. But if that's what they cost, that's what they cost.
 
Sun sun is a knock off brand but it has got decent reviews on here and on Amazon. A lot of their models have a built in UV steralizer.

I just got a sun sun 304B but I haven't been able to unbox it yet. I plan on opening it up this Saturday. I will try to get some pictures and make a thread for it.
 
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I do think a sump and a drilled tank is the way to go though. It is more difficult to set up in the beginning but from what I have heard it is well worth it. I am going set up my 220 with a 55 gallon sump.

I have never heard anybody that has used both a sump and other filters (canister or power filters) that has said they wish they could get rid of their sump. People always seem to love their sump much more and wonder what took them so long to set one up.
 
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